dim1掂
Jyutpingdim1
Yaledīm
Definition
To touch lightly.
colloquialdaily actions
How it's used
Beyond the literal sense of physical contact, this word is frequently used in the slang sense of being successful or working out perfectly. When someone says 掂喇, they mean that a plan has succeeded or a problem is resolved. It carries a casual, punchy feel that is very common in everyday speech.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse the literal verb 掂 with the adjective meaning successful, as context is the only way to distinguish them. Also, avoid using it in formal writing where 觸摸 is preferred.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
